Team News

Field Hockey Focus with Annika Roberts

With the Liberty field hockey team preparing for its final regular season match against No. 18 Wake Forest tomorrow, LibertyFlames.com spotlights Annika Roberts in its field hockey focus series.

Roberts is a freshman midfielder from Landenberg, Pa. and is the younger sister of forward Zosia Roberts. She has appeared in all 15 games for the Lady Flames in 2016, making three starts.

Tell us your recruiting story and how you came to Liberty. Roberts: On the same day that I was waiting for a call from another coach, ready to commit to another school, coach called me and offered me a spot. I weighed the pros and cons of each option and decided that Liberty was where I wanted to be. Looking back, it is so cool to see how God opened the door for me to be here, and I am so grateful that this is the place I get to call home.

What has been your favorite class so far, and why? Roberts: My favorite class so far has been my Introduction to Business class. I love learning about the business world and its applications in everyday life. I also think it is so cool how business affects absolutely everything we do and how it can be used as a platform to share the gospel.

What has been the biggest difference between college field hockey and high school field hockey? Roberts: I would have to say the competition. In high school, there would only be a handful of players who played at a high-level and wanted to progress to the next stage. In college, everyone is talented and fighting to win.

What do your parents do for work? Do you have siblings? If so, how old are they and where are they in school? Roberts: Both of my parents are chiropractors. I have two siblings, an older sister who is 20 and a younger brother who is 16. My sister is a junior here at Liberty and on the team with me. My brother is a junior at Wilmington Christian School in Hockessin, Delaware.

What has been your impression of competing in the BIG EAST Conference in your first year, as well as against several of the top schools in the nation? Roberts: Competing in the BIG EAST and against the top teams has been such a wonderful opportunity for our team. It is such a privilege to be able to play against some of the best players and teams in the country. It is so cool how God opened this door for the team, and I can't wait to see where He takes us in the future.

Is your hometown of Landenberg, Pa., known for anything in particular? Roberts: I wouldn't say Landenberg is known for anything special, besides the White Clay Creek. However, it is close to Longwood Gardens, Philadelphia and the University of Delaware.

What is your favorite place on Liberty's campus or surrounding area and why? Roberts: Although this is not really a place, I would have to say being outside when the sun sets and a little breeze blows in from the mountains. When the sun sets behind the mountains, I am constantly reminded of the grandeur of God's beauty. I also love the little hipster-ish shops downtown; they have such a cool vibe about them and are so fun to visit.